The fallout from Prince Andrew’s recent scandals shows no signs of slowing down.
After giving up his dukedom and Knight of the Garter title, speculation is mounting about whether his long-term residence at the Royal Lodge in Windsor will remain viable.
The 30-room mansion, just a short walk from King Charles’ Windsor Castle, has been a comfortable refuge—but as his reputation continues to sink, insiders are questioning how much longer he can stay.
Exile Options Across the Globe
Talk has swirled about the northern Scottish Castle of Mey as a potential relocation, nearly 700 miles from Windsor.
But it seems unlikely Andrew would trade the Royal Lodge’s comforts for such isolation, and King Charles probably wouldn’t insist, given his own investment in the property, including a personally planted maze.
Historically, the royals have a precedent for sending disgraced members into exile.
Edward VIII, after abdicating in 1936 over Wallis Simpson, spent years living abroad in France, Portugal, and even the Bahamas as Governor, before settling back in France permanently.
With Andrew’s scandals continuing to pile up, many observers suggest it might be time for a similar approach.
The United States Presents a Complicated Choice
The US could be a tempting option, but it comes with complications.
Any move there would place Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in close proximity to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, drawing inevitable comparisons.
While Harry has faced his own controversies, Andrew’s situation is far more serious and sensational.
Meanwhile, Meghan has become the media darling, leaving Fergie in the shadows and potentially limiting her future income, especially after the death of Epstein, her former financier, and the loss of other lucrative deals.
Considering Historical and International Options
Looking further afield, Andrew might take cues from royal history.
Queen Caroline, for instance, spent time riding donkeys in the Middle East after being exiled from Britain in the 18th century.
Andrew could theoretically enjoy a similar arrangement in Abu Dhabi, where royal connections provide a palace at his disposal—but Fergie might struggle with cultural restrictions, extreme heat, and limited shopping opportunities.
Switzerland also emerges as a plausible choice, given its connection to Fergie.
The couple previously owned a chalet in Verbier, although it was sold in 2022 after lengthy financial disputes.
Affording and running such a property now could prove difficult, particularly as the Mountbatten-Windsors, stripped of Andrew’s titles, face growing financial pressures.
Selling the Royal Lodge Could Be the Practical Solution
One pragmatic option would be to sell their current home back to King Charles, allowing them to leave while recouping funds.
This would also give the King some relief, removing the immediate public distraction caused by Andrew’s presence.
Exile abroad, many argue, may be the safest path forward for the couple as further scandals are expected to surface.
The Looming Threat of Further Scandals
The Epstein case is far from concluded, and the details of Andrew’s decade-long work as a roving trade ambassador—apparently representing Britain abroad but with little oversight—remain murky.
Critics suggest that future revelations about personal enrichment and private behavior could emerge at any time.
For Andrew, being in a foreign country could be a way to minimize exposure when the inevitable fallout arrives.